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Topic Review (Newest First)

02-04-2014 02:11 AM

OriginalWacky

Something I've found to be helpful is to stop training while the puppy still wants to train, so he's always left wanting MORE. I basically think of every interaction with my dog as a chance to bond and add to training, so it's an ongoing thing. I think it's also good to have a day here and there were you don't really do much training at all, so you can let him 'think about' what he's learned, give his little brain a bit of rest.

02-03-2014 08:32 PM

wyoung2153

You can do as many as you want a day.. but keep them short, 3-5 min. We used commercials sometimes. We'd be watching a show, then during commercial we trained some. Then went back to watching the show, and repeat Glad you found a good treat! Sometimes that's all it takes. Also if he starts getting bored, make sure you always end on a high note, so make him do something SUPER easy and end on that good feeling!

02-03-2014 08:17 PM

tjpearse

Thanks for the advice. I found some beef chewy treats that he goes crazy for and now training is a ton of fun for both of us. I keep them to about 15 treat training sessions 3 times a day. Now that they are fun and show progression, I'm thinking about making them longer or having more sessions a day. Should it be more or less? Sorry I am being annoying about this, but I really would appreciate your feedback.

Make sure YOU are fun. YOU are happy, excited. Making things FUN needs to be the goal, not having the puppy do anything right. Short short sessions. HUNGRY puppy. Real treats (not generally 'dog' treats).

02-03-2014 10:54 AM

wyoung2153

I would definitely look at changing the treats you are using. At this age you must have High value treats for the pup.. if you havne't already, try Natural Balance food rolls cut up into tiny pieces and you can freeze it until you're ready to use them.. we call it doggy crack. My not food motivated boy will do literally ANYTHING for it. It's the only treat I found that he would actually pay attention to.

Also consider that he may not be food motivated.. if he wants to play all the time, try using a tug or ball as a reward for commands. AND don't repeat commands.. your puppy will get used to the repetitive command and start waiting until you finish your repititions, lol.. Just like DoggieDad said essentially you are yeah "hugo, Hugo, Hugo" treat.. one command.. then wait.